The freeze is going to penetrate all of Louisiana from Shreveport and Monroe to Alexandria and Acadiana to Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

"Parts of northern Louisiana will see 48 hours or more of below freezing temperatures, but virtually all of Louisiana will see lows in the 20s," said meteorologist Don Wheeler, a USA Today Network correspondent.

"There's been a lot of Arctic air bottled up over Canada, and it's going to take a deep dip," Wheeler said. "It's been a while since we've seen temperatures this low."

Wheeler said the cold front will crash into Louisiana Saturday night with some rain that could turn into a wintry mix Sunday, although Wheeler said little to no accumulation is expected and the possible snow and sleet won't dip below Alexandria.

The coldest temperatures will set in on New Year's Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The last time Louisiana was locked into weather that cold was Jan. 8, 2015.

"And it's going to be cold for a prolonged period of time," Wheeler said. "We're going to see lows below freezing at least through Jan. 5."

That makes for perilous times for pets, plants, pipes and people, Strain said.

"I can still see those old pipes on our farm spraying water after a long freeze," Strain sad, laughing. "That's why we call it pipe-bustin' weather. Get your pipe spigots wrapped with newspapers or coozies — I use two coozies on each pipe."

Strain said prolonged freezing temperatures are dangerous for livestock and pets.

"Check water in troughs to make sure it's not frozen and the livestock can access it and make sure horses have some form of shelter," Strain said. "If you're using heat lamps make sure they aren't too close to the livestock or pets.

"Make sure your dogs and cats have access to the porch or bring them inside," Strain said. "Mine sleep in the house."

Strain said there are some advantages to cold weather.

"It can kill off a lot of invasive insects," he said.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1